A PAISLEY man who drove a vehicle with metal protruding from the side has claimed in court he has exceptional circumstances and should avoid losing his licence.

Matloob Ahmed was convicted at trial of committing the offence on the A82 in Clydebank on December 20, 2015.

But the 60-year-old, of Osprey Road, Shortroods, said that, despite the mandatory loss of his licence, he should be allowed to keep it.

Through his solicitor at a hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, he requested an “exceptional hardship proof”, where he will argue that his wife has angina and he has to take her to hospital, frequently in the middle of the night.

However, Sheriff William Gallacher was unimpressed by the timing of the request.

He said “I’m very surprised a request has been asked of me and the stage in proceedings this has been asked.”

Ahmed then asked, through his solicitor, for the interim disqualification from when he was convicted to be lifted.

Sheriff Gallacher refused and said it would remain in place until the special hearing is staged on May 19.